Can Dogs Drink Milk?

It’s always better not to gamble when it comes to your pet’s health but understanding the rules can be a lot to digest. We grew up with celebrities wearing milk mustaches telling us to Get Milk, but, frankly, it wasn’t directed at our canine friends. And as much as we feel like our dogs are our kids, they have different health needs than we do. Besides, a dog doesn’t look good in a milk mustache.

Let’s talk about lactase, one of the main ingredients in milk. The chemical lactase is what separates and processes lactose--the starch/sugar in milk. When pups are weaned from their mothers, their ability to process and manage lactase begins to decline. While some will continue to create some lactase and be able to break down milk, others will not.

We know that canines have different and fluctuating levels of lactose processing capabilities but how do we measure it. Simply put, dogs who struggle with lactose will show gastrointestinal signs of discomfort like regurgitation, loose bowels, gas, and general irritation The side effects can be mild or quite serious.

But digestion is just part of the potential problem with dairy and dogs. In addition to being lactose intolerant and showing gastrointestinal challenges, some dogs can actually be allergic, and these allergies can surface as red and irritated skin, skin diseases, and even ear infections and contaminations.

So is the cold hard truth that all dairy is out for our canine friends? Not necessarily. If your dog doesn’t appear to show an unfavorable response to milk or dairy, then a modest quantity might be acceptable. But a healthier alternative to milk, and a great way to get important probiotics into your dog’s system, is lactobacillus acidophilus. Simply put, it’s yogurt—and not the kind with high sugars. We’re talking about unflavored Greek yogurt. It can assist with overall digestive health and help your dog have a happy stomach. One to two teaspoons a day is sufficient, starting with one and gradually increasing to two.

Let’s not forget that there are other options as well like veterinarian-recommended lactose-free treats and the many lactose-free frozen and refrigerated treats that are on the market. And if you prefer not to gamble at all or spend your free time reading labels, a great option and way to get a healthy probiotic into your pet--completely dairy-free, is Balanced Breed -- a probiotic blend that has been specifically and scientifically manufactured just for your dog and their digestive health.

Don’t play truth or dairy with your dog. While understanding your dog’s health can be a lot to digest, there are great options, and they don’t involve a milk mustache.